A neural network to classify fatigue from human–computer interaction

Abstract

a b s t r a c tFatigue, especially in its mental form, is one of the most worrying health problems nowadays. It affects not only health but also motivation, emotions and feelings and has an impact both at the individual and organizational level. Fatigue monitoring and management assumes thus, in this century, an increased importance, that should be promoted by private organizations and governments alike. While traditional approaches are mostly based on questionnaires, in this paper we present an alternative one that relies on the observation of the individual's interaction with the computer. We show that this interaction changes with the onset of fatigue and that these changes are significant enough to support the training of a neural network that can classify mental fatigue in real time. The main outcome of this work is the development of non-invasive systems for the continuous classification of mental fatigue that can support effective and efficient fatigue management initiatives, especially in the context of desk jobs.

Quantifying the effects of external factors on individual performance

“…longer click ⇒ poorer performance, larger average excess of distance ⇒ poorer performance). These relationships with performance have been established in previously conducted research studies [19,6].…”

“…In the last years we have been studying the interaction patterns of people with computers and smartphones, to build models that can be used in real time for classifying stress and fatigue [19,6]. The aim is to develop software and hardware that is sensitive to the user's state, adapting accordingly.…”

Monitoring Level Attention Approach in Learning Activities

“…Being a cognitive process, attention is strongly connected with learning [4]. When it comes to acquiring new knowledge, attention can be considered one the most important mechanisms [5]. The degree of the learner's attention affects learning results.…”

Magnetic stimulation at acupoints relieves mental fatigue: An Event Related Potential (P300) study

“…It can impair attention, motivation, cognitive control and even increase the number of behavioral errors [4,5]. Excessive mental fatigue for a long time can cause neurasthenia, insomnia, depression, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), and so on [6,7]. Rather alert 5 Neither alert nor sleepy 6 Some signs of sleepiness 7…”

“…Excessive mental fatigue for a long time can cause neurasthenia, insomnia, depression, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), and so on [6,7]. Rather alert 5 Neither alert nor sleepy 6 Some signs of sleepiness 7…”